Let me be a good reminder of how wonderfully the Universe always shows up. In my case, she seems to show herself strongest when I’m at my whit’s end or when I don’t have the energy to do it by myself anymore... although I think this is more a condition of my active impatience.

She shows up in subtle yet profound ways, offering the best gifts that are needed right then, like a formerly-estranged friend, who always made you belly laugh for hours, comes around the corner with a big smile on his face to greet you. Reconnection happens in the flicker of an eye and the laughter which you so desperately needed propels you out of your emotional funk.

She shows up in the quiet insight during your meditation, connecting two dots that are so completely obvious once you see how they are so perfectly aligned. Funny how they weren’t visible before. It all makes more sense now...

She shows up in the unsolicited affirmations of your strength, courage, and importance in this world, just moments after you quietly questioned who you are and if you’ll even get this life straight.

The Universe is patient, kind, loving, and all knowing. She gently guides you back to your Truth, your forgotten inner strength, your sweet perfection...just as you are and as you are meant to be. Gratefully slow down and listen quietly...she’s right there!Peace,Shanti

How do we care for another in relationship? It’s really easy in the beginning - we’re attentive, inviting, curious, and excited. We see each others' nuances as gifts of uniqueness. Our view seeks pleasure and compatibility, noticing where we might fit in and all the things that connect. Interest permeates most communication, even as unspoken words and secret glances. Facial expressions are assayed, soon becoming landmarks of knowing.

Time creates comfort and gentle habits begin to form. Sometimes it doesn’t take long - a few months perhaps - as we gain a sense of joining. There’s togetherness in even the most basic of routines, like who will make the morning coffee or prepare dinner.

Care must be drawn as the familiar rises, however, ensuring that we don’t assume the needs or behaviors of the other. We still need to ask. We still need to clarify. Expression of self is even more important now that the honeymoon fluff is receding. There’s a real you and a real me. The mist of newness and excitement slowly dissipates with relational truth beginning to reveal itself. There is no miracle time at which takes place. It’s really just a reflection of the natural and wondrous transition to deeper connection and togetherness.

The particulate is shaped in how we transform that which attracted to remain in highest esteem. It also is shaped by our ability and willingness to express unwholesome and uncomfortable aspects which have risen in relationship. Holding back or lashing out are destructive. Peacefully exploring awarenesses of difficulties and preferences, communicating in a manner that maintains respect and safety for both, is something we are not accustomed to doing. The tools are often difficult to locate and must be sought after. It also involves a lot of risk, which some are not prepared for or desirous to pursue. Options may be many but too often the thought arises “better to leave than to deal”.

Expressing needs, identifying feelings, being heard, sharing with no judgment and only from our experience...there are few life classes for this. The rewards are innumerable, however, and can’t be matched by any standard or happiness scale. When we are able to care for and be cared for in relationship, the world seems like a different place. It’s filled with possibility, not just for the two, but for the many lives that are touched as the energy of joy is brought forward. Being able to maintain respect and honor, there is love...or at least the potential.Peace,Shanti